This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On August 29, 2019, a Kenyan wheelchair user, Harun Hassan, took to social media to share his disturbing experience with Ethiopian Airlines staff at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
According to Hassan, the airline's staff refused to assist him in boarding a flight to the US, despite his clear indication on his ticket that he was a wheelchair user traveling alone.
One staff member allegedly told him, 'Please, we don't have a provision for a disabled person who is traveling alone.'
Hassan, an author and disability rights campaigner, expressed his disappointment and frustration on Twitter and Facebook, stating that the incident went against the policies and guidelines of the Kenya Airports Authority and international disability traveling laws.
His posts sparked a public outcry, with many calling out the airline for its insensitive treatment of a disabled passenger.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the airline reached out to Hassan about 10 hours after his initial post, apologized, and offered him a business class flight in exchange for removing his posts.
But Hassan refused, stating that he would rather fly economy with respect and dignity than accept the airline's offer.
He eventually opted to travel on another airline to Washington DC, citing his desire to create a more inclusive society for everyone, including the disabled.
